We started the day at the Boston Harbor Hotel and ran into Darren in the lobby first thing. Erin needed a little more time to finish getting ready before they got to see each other, but I honestly don’t think he wanted to wait a moment longer. We did not delay. We went right up to see Erin and capture her preparation.

The emotions on a wedding day are really what make it so rewarding to photograph. Erin and Darren’s wedding day was simply filled with great moments and expressions through and through. Here’s a series of my favorites, all from "first sights".

Erin’s mom takes her in- all decked out with the dress, the veil, the shoes- her completed look.

Erin and Darren had their first meeting outside the Boston Harbor Hotel, on Rowes Wharf. Darren stood with his back to Erin until she was ready. She told him to turn around and his eyes lit up.

Of course, this was also the first time she got to see him.

Body language says a lot, too. So sweet.

After they had a chance to enjoy the moment, we all hopped in their car (thank you to our fabulous driver Erika) and headed over to the Boston Public Gardens for a few photos. Erin had visions of willow trees and the swan boats and all the beautiful flowers, and I don’t blame her. What a stunning landscape! Still, those photos are definitively rivaled by the simplicity of this one that shows off Erin’s classic beauty.

We finished our portrait tour back at the waterfront with a few around the hotel. Dave and I had spotted this mirrored sculpture nearby on a prior to visit to the hotel. We knew we wanted to play there. Erin and Darren were amenable. So chic.

Then the day really got underway. The ketubah signing and bedeken ceremony took place in the board room. And they were officially married by Jewish law.

Followed by the ceremony under the chuppah in the Wharf Room. But for now, I leave you with just this one little hint of what’s to come.

Soon to follow… the ceremony, the party, and all of their special details.

We started our day with Yelena in her suite at the Fairmont Copley Plaza as she was getting her hair and make-up done. Her closest girlfriends and family were are all around, checking in and getting ready themselves.

And then came the unveiling of the dress. It was a pretty momentous occasion and her dad was super excited for it. He definitely had to be there and wanted to help place it where we needed it so we could get some beautiful pictures. I love when dads get involved. And really, I can’t blame him. Yelena’s dress was stunning. She chose a Vera Wang gown that perfectly accentuated her classic beauty alongside her modern sophistication and style. Gorgeous!

Before we ventured downstairs for the Ketubah signing and Bedeken, we wanted to capture a few portraits of Yelena alone.

And then downstairs for Yelena and Rob to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

He was already in the room where they would meet up. But his groomsmen didn’t want him to catch a glimpse of Yelena before she was ready. No peeking, Rob!

Yelena entered. Both their faces lit up. Lots of smiles and laughter followed.

After the ketubah and bedeken ceremonies, Yelena and Rob met under the chuppah for the traditional Jewish ceremony with all of their guests. They utilized the St. James Room at the Copley- what a great feel.

A few of my favorite candid moments from the ceremony…

Yelena and Rob went off for their yichud. The remaining family members were totally amusing as they exited.

Rob’s brother "connecting" with his friends and family…

The portraits followed. The boys were philosophical. Or rather, hysterical. Serious fun.

And I leave you with just one from our portrait session with Yelena and Rob.

This is clearly just the beginning of Yelena and Rob’s amazing celebration. There was dancing, dancing, and more dancing- along with great food and good times hanging with family and friends.

If you want a few more, you can also check out our Facebook Page where we posted their sneak peak.

Here’s my favorite humorous moment from the bedecken. Sara’s checking out Mike to make sure he’s the right guy. Turns out he is.

What I didn’t count on, was the tears they would bring to my eyes.

During their ketubah signing ceremony, the Rabbi allowed for them to share some thoughts with each other. They were so tender and honest with each other.

And the way Mike looks at Sara simply melts my heart.

Here Mike is ensuring that Sara is indeed Sara. When I look at this image, I somehow make the same expression that Sara does. I can’t help it. Quivery happiness all over.

Alas, I have gotten ahead of myself. So allow me to take a step back.

I have known Mike for several years; we met while performing in a comedy improv group- Blue Blanket Improv- in California. Mike has since moved on and even started his own- Chicken Scratch Improv. And Dave knew Mike from their swing dancing days. We met Sara (and puppy Oscar) last fall and were instantly enamored. Mike and Sara are absolutely perfect together, and perfect parents for Oscar. When they chose us to photograph their wedding at Kennolyn near Santa Cruz, we started counting down the days.

We started off – me with Sara as she and her bridesmaids were getting ready and Dave with the handsome groom…

and his Entourage,

which included his adorable nephew. Precious missing teeth!

The guys have it a lot easier. Here, the women getting ready…Sara almost in her dress.

And a nod to Sara’s fabulous shoulders and back. She is a triathelete and spends tons of time in the pool. The pay-off is clear.

Just before the boys joined the girls for the ketubah signing, Sara and her beautiful little flower girl compared dresses.

Mike arrives. And Sara welcomes him in.

The Rabbi in the background. Flower girl, apparently, not so interested in that.

Then we head over for the ceremony under the huppah.

And Sara walks down the aisle with her mom…

I can’t wait to share more and there will definitely be lots, lots more. Of course, more from the reception, but I will also be sharing about the flowers. They were amazing! Bouquets and bouttonieres galore by Laughin’ Gal Floral. Definitely check back soon!

I am thrilled to share the reception portion of Jesse and Ariana’s wedding day. As you may recall, they held their ketubah and bedeken ceremonies in the Berkeley Botanic Garden and then celebrated their huppah ceremony on the Brazilian Room patio, all in Tilden Park. The reception continued immediately following the ceremony. Because we took the formal portraits down in the Botanic Gardens, Ariana and Jesse were able to kick-back and enjoy the cocktail hour.

The fun really got started once everyone headed inside. I so love the Israeli dancing. They kicked off several of my favorites with the Horah. I think this series of images totally captures their experience from before they get lifted through the dance to the relief when they are once again safely on the ground.

First, the look- “Oh my, what are we in for? Well whatever it is, we are in it together.”

Togetherness- “Hey, we got this covered! No problem.”

The relief- “We’re alive! Wasn’t that fun? Let’s do it again.”

Perhaps it is a bit like a roller coaster. And Ariana and Jesse added an extra element of the unpredictable. They were sitting in foldable chairs. Their friends were great, though, and totally kept them safe and secure.

After dinner we were serenaded by some very talented friends and family. What a treat!

Ariana and Jesse’s love was certainly infectious. And this couple has the distinct honor of having introduced Ariana and Jesse on the fateful Alaska backpacking trip.

Ariana’s dad was quite the dancer. He took her out for a turn on the dance floor.

And later enjoyed a dance with Ariana’s mom.

The evening closed with the traditional prayer after the meal. A group gathered around the candle-lit table to chant together.

The Brazilian Room is such a gorgeous venue. It looks beautiful at any time of day or night.

Congrats again to Ariana and Jesse and huge thank you’s! You had a super amazing, beautiful and fun wedding day- we are so glad we could be a part of it.

Check out more of Ariana and Jesse’s photos: engagement session, sneak preview, and wedding slideshow.

Ariana and Jesse met during a backpacking trip in Alaska. They love the outdoors and felt their wedding needed to reflect that. They chose to have some of the Jewish ceremony in a Redwood Grove at the Berkeley Regional Botanical Gardens in Tilden Park. Ariana was surrounded by her family and friends as she waited for Jesse to walk towards her. She looked so beautiful and happy.

As is customary, Jesse arrived amidst singing, surrounded by his family and his friends. He couldn’t have been happier when he saw Ariana waiting for him.

The setting was perfect. And the love of all those most important to them engulfed them as they embraced their parents during the bedeken and ketubah signing ceremonies.

Following these Jewish customs, we took photos by the redwoods. Here’s Ariana with her friends, enjoying the process.

According to Jewish tradition, once the ketubah is signed, a couple is officially married. Ariana and Jesse were so relaxed after that part of the ceremony and their joy emanated from them.

After the portraits, we traveled the short distance to the Brazilian Room for the ceremony and the reception. Ariana walked towards Jesse for this ceremony and they met under the huppah.

Ariana’s niece and flower girl sat down to enjoy the ceremony.

One last image, just to give you a taste of the beautiful colors and vibrancy of the day…

We can’t wait to share the rest. So definitely check back soon.

If you would like to see more of Ariana and Jesse, check out their engagement session with their beautiful girl Athena.